Opposition councillors in North Yorkshire are calling for urgent action to strengthen and expand community transport services across the county.
Liberal Democrat members will present a motion to next week’s full meeting of North Yorkshire Council seeking the creation of a working group involving councillors, council officers and community transport providers to identify service gaps and develop practical solutions.
The proposal would also examine funding pressures and assess whether existing council policies are preventing local transport initiatives from growing.
Community transport schemes are seen as particularly important in rural areas where conventional public transport services are limited or unavailable.
Hannah Ghoslow, Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East, who is proposing the motion, said community transport could be vital for people accessing education, healthcare and employment.
She said: “Community transport is a lifeline for many people across North Yorkshire, and for some young people it is the difference between getting to college or missing out altogether.
“It is about fairness, access and backing the local schemes that already do so much for our communities.
“The work our motion will initiate will provide a framework for a service across the county and of which we can be proud.”
Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrat councillor for Masham and Fountains, said locally led transport schemes were especially important for rural communities.
She said: “Given the lack of public transport, particularly in many rural parts of the county, community transport, led by local people who understand the needs of their community, can provide a lifeline particularly for the young and old alike.
“Investing in and supporting community transport is money well spent. I want the council to recognise the benefits and the savings that this will generate in the long run.”
Helen Flynn, chief executive of Nidderdale Plus Community Hub, which operates a community transport service, said demand had increased significantly.
She said: “Community transport is becoming increasingly vital across North Yorkshire.
“Operators like us have seen a growth of between 20 and 30 per cent over the past 18 months.
“So, strengthening the partnerships between voluntary organisations, the council, and the Integrated Care Board, and working together to find innovative ways of sustaining this vital network is important.”
The Liberal Democrats argue the council should do more to support volunteer-led transport schemes facing rising costs and inconsistent funding.
They say improved community transport would help residents reach healthcare appointments, jobs, education and social activities while helping people remain independent.
The motion is due to be debated at the full council meeting on Wednesday, May 20.
